Five years ago tomorrow, May 21, 2009 we saw our granddaughter Tizita Desta Van Auken for the very first time.

It was not on an ultrasound picture or in a bassinet at a hospital nursery as most grandparents meet their grandchildren.

It came instead on a photo in an email that looked like this:

Yep, that is the first photo we saw of our sweet Tizita and it was love at first sight.

In adoption much is unknown, but one thing is certain and that is the love and joy one feels for that long awaited grandchild when you see their face for the first time.

Suddenly, we knew that all the long waiting and anticipation would be so worth it.

We knew that God had chosen this child long ago to be part of our family and that it would all play out in His perfect timing.

Looking back, we can see how it all did, indeed play out perfectly.

 

So, began a long wait, but so also began shopping for all things pink, finding the perfect toys and books, and learning all we could about Ethiopia and adoption.

I joined an Ethiopian Adoption forum where I met another grandma who I still stay in touch with today.

I became obsessed with checking on the waiting list status often going to the list hourly to see if :"we" had moved up.

 

Now, five years later, Tizita is seven years old.

She is a beauty.

She loves to spend time at our house.

She loves to make concoctions while she is here, never following a recipe, just throwing things in as she goes along.

She loves to fix my hair often creating some crazy styles.

She also does manicures, pedicures, and make overs.

She loves making forts.

She sleeps between John and I in our king bed and never moves all night long.

She loves to hear stories of her mama and Auntie Lissy when they were little before we go to sleep.

She loves to sing and has a beautiful voice.

She loves being outdoors.

She is a great teacher and loves helping me in  my classroom.

 

We like to do so many things together, we:

ride bikes,

read books,

shop,

bake,

watch TV,

walk,

laugh,

play games,

craft,

just to name a few.

John and I love to take Tizita places.

We have taken her to:

the zoo,

the Art Museum,

Discovery Zone,

The Milwaukee Museum,

Monkey Joe's,

Chuck E. Cheese,

numerous children's museums,

waterparks,

motels,

Circus World Museum,

The Shrine Circus,

Malls,

Amusement parks,

Mini golf,

just to name a few.

She is always well behaved for us and thoroughly enjoys the time we spend together.

We love making memories with her.

 

Tizita is truly the joy of our lives and we are so thankful for that day five years ago when we first laid eyes on this beautiful little girl who has become such an important part of our lives.

We love you so much Tizita Desta Van Auken!